The catalytic value of the UHC Partnership for a more skilled workforce in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract In Moldova, the UHC Partnership has acted as a catalyst for change by creating spaces for dialogue among actors with often competing priorities. Recognizing the clear synergies between Moldova's ambition to accession to European Union with the UHC goals, UHC-P has served as a platform to foster the integration of health reforms and ensure a coordinated dialogue among key stakeholders, resulting in advances in complex reforms in the health workforce and digital health. A notable accomplishment was the development of a ‘National Roadmap for reforming nursing and midwives education and practice’, ensuring alignment with EU requirements and compliance with WHO guidelines. These efforts were complemented in the care frontline, facilitating the delivery of targeted trainings for medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in rural areas. These initiatives enhanced the quality of care and contributed to the professional growth and retention of health workers where they are most needed. The partnership also supported the coordination of efforts toward developing a national digital health strategy: an essential step to harmonize numerous, and sometimes divergent, initiatives. The support was followed by the development and implementation of practical digital tools to improve day-to-day operations: automating external reference pricing to keep medicines affordable, upgrading the e-prescription system to free up doctors’ time for patient care, and developing the architecture of an e-monitoring system to better manage medicine stocks and prevent shortages. These initiatives required intensive coordination among diverse public and private stakeholders, including those not traditionally involved in health. Moldova's experience shows that by combining vertical - strengthening institutions - and horizontal approaches - building collaboration across sectors - complex reforms are achievable.